The fact is simple - our community needs the many services provided by our fire department. From ambulance calls to helping a stay at home mom with a busted water line, they are the first people we turn to when the problem is bigger than we can resolve.If you don't care for the politicians, vote them out when their respective term ends. Don't play political games with a non-partisan group like the firefighters.Our fire department makes our community a better place to live. They deserve our respect and support.Say YES to Issue 3 on May 7th.

<quoted text>Excuse Me, Forgot to ask... IF there are NO SERVICES withoutNEW TAXES.... when this Tax Increase fails to pass..... Will homeowners be REFUNDED the $11 million dollars of revenue for the Fire Department services that have already been generated by local taxpaying homeowners?

The name got your attention, huh? Good. The taxpayers will continue to receive services from the fire department if the levy fails. However, the services available will be even more reduced than they are now! If you had done any research at all, you would know that the FD has lost many positions through attrition that have not been replaced. If the levy does not pass this will continue until they are running skeleton crews everyday out of one or two stations instead of adequate staffing out of three.

If you are willing to put the lives of your family and friends at risk, have at it. All I ask is that all voters in Springboro and Clearcreek Township consider the consequences of not passing this fire levy. After all, they can't do anything without your support. Please don't make your decision based on your opinion of the politicians involved. Take care of that in November if you must.

<quoted text>The name got your attention, huh? Good. The taxpayers will continue to receive services from the fire department if the levy fails. However, the services available will be even more reduced than they are now! If you had done any research at all, you would know that the FD has lost many positions through attrition that have not been replaced. If the levy does not pass this will continue until they are running skeleton crews everyday out of one or two stations instead of adequate staffing out of three.If you are willing to put the lives of your family and friends at risk, have at it. All I ask is that all voters in Springboro and Clearcreek Township consider the consequences of not passing this fire levy. After all, they can't do anything without your support. Please don't make your decision based on your opinion of the politicians involved. Take care of that in November if you must.

Excellent points. Reminds me of the old adage "you made your bed, now you get to sleep in it". Seems too many people here blur the line between politics and the fire dept. We should always support ftrong safety forces, and for that matter vote in the people that will ensure those essential needs are always met.

The fact is simple - our community needs the many services provided by our fire department. From ambulance calls to helping a stay at home mom with a busted water line, they are the first people we turn to when the problem is bigger than we can resolve.

LOL.. give us a break.. helping a stay at home mom with a busted water line...? Can you tell us exactly what service you are talking about on this? Sure didn't know 911 was the help to call for that.... we called a plumber and it cost us a bundle when we had a busted water line! BUT, we were contributing to the well being of our plumbers (who are very important community members offering an important service; for which we were willing to pay).

If you don't care for the politicians, vote them out when their respective term ends. Don't play political games with a non-partisan group like the firefighters.LOL! Non-partisan group like the firefighters? Have YOU checked out the Firefighters Union website? Isn't it true that the more taxes the government collects the more money is paid union employees and the more union dues go straight to the very partisan cause of only one political party?

Our fire department makes our community a better place to live. They deserve our respect and support.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY GOD BLESS OUR FIREFIGHTERS. Sure do appreciate and respect these good community workers, and every time we hear an emergency siren, we say a little prayer...for our neighbors needing help, and those on the job to help.

Say YES to Issue 3 on May 7th.

BUT, Sorry -- No Can Do on The Vote in May to Increase Taxes on my family home. We simply cannot afford to pay more taxes without suffering hardship; so we will do the responsible thing for OUR family and Vote NO on the May 7 levy.

<quoted text>The name got your attention, huh? Good. The taxpayers will continue to receive services from the fire department if the levy fails. However, the services available will be even more reduced than they are now! If you had done any research at all, you would know that the FD has lost many positions through attrition that have not been replaced. If the levy does not pass this will continue until they are running skeleton crews everyday out of one or two stations instead of adequate staffing out of three.

-Researching through the Clearcreek Township minutes just over the past year or so, there is evidence of the newly hired Fire Captain.Where is the record of the Fire Department losing many positions?

If you are willing to put the lives of your family and friends at risk, have at it.

-Exercising my rights to keep more of my salary to take care of my family IS NOT putting lives of family and freinds at risk. We pay our due property and school taxes; we pay our home insurance which includes fire insurance; we pay our family insurance on health, dental, and vision care; we pay our car insurance; we pay our life insurance; we pay our social security and retirement insurance; and we pay medicare and medicaid insurance; we pay sales tax to the state; income tax to the state and federal government. And we are not going to VOTE ourselves increased local taxes on our homes.-No need trying to ridicule nor emotionally manipulate others into bending the way of your opinion.

All I ask is that all voters in Springboro and Clearcreek Township consider the consequences of not passing this fire levy. After all, they can't do anything without your support. Please don't make your decision based on your opinion of the politicians involved. Take care of that in November if you must.

The Clearcreek Fire District is what it is today because of the 2001 levy. That level of service must be maintained. While you can argue about the township all day long, the fact is that the fire department has "kept the promise", moving from a small department to the flagship of Warren County.Even with my trifocals, I can see this levy is necessary. I support Issue 3!

The Clearcreek Fire District is seeking a 4.5 mill operating levy during the May 7, 2013 election. The levy appears as "Issue 3" on the ballot. In 26 years, two prior levies have been approved and we made the current 10 year levy last 12 years.

Quite simply, the costs of the products and equipment that are used to deliver services to the community have increased like so many other things. A good example is found with fuel. When the last fire levy was passed in 2001, the cost of a gallon of diesel fuel was $1.86. Today that cost has increased to $3.43. Last year alone, one of our medic units consumed 1,743 gallons of diesel making transports back and forth to the hospital.

This levy will support the continued operation of your local fire department at current service levels. In order to keep the millage as low as possible, no additional or expanded services (such as new fire stations or positions) are proposed through this levy.

The Clearcreek Fire District is currently operating on funding from a 2001 tax levy. In 2001, the department served approximately 21,017 people and responded to 1,584 emergencies.

Today, the department serves approximately 30,265 people, which is an increase of 44% from 2001. Crews responded to 2,735 emergencies in 2012, up 58% from 2001 counts. The fact is simple - the fire department cannot provide adequate service to a steadily growing population experiencing an increasing number of emergencies with the same funding level used in 2001.

In 2001 the Clearcreek Fire District promised not to come back to voters for additional funds for at least ten years. That promise has been kept, and as we look forward we commit to the voters not to seek additional operating funds for a period of at least eight years if this levy is approved.

@ firebug --Today, the department serves approximately 30,265 people, which is an increase of 44% from 2001. Crews responded to 2,735 emergencies in 2012, up 58% from 2001 counts. The fact is simple - the fire department cannot provide adequate service to a steadily growing population experiencing an increasing number of emergencies with the same funding level used in 2001.-end -

"Facts" released by the government can be manipulated in many ways, but all ways push citizens toward paying higher and higher taxes.

Taxpaying homeowners simply cannot afford increased taxes. To vote for increased revenue for our local government, would not be the responsible choice for keeping our families strong.

Strong families are the foundation for strong communities and strong schools; Our local government should support keeping our families strong by providing affordable needed public services, living within our means.

With a projected budget of 6.4 million dollars for 2013, and a 4.6 million being paid out to wages, salaries and benefits, the township could tighten their belts so that they could live within the resources that are available (without tax increases). Less than 2 million is spent on vehicles, repairs and maintenance, utilities and liability insurance. According to the Warren County Auditors Office (public records) the township will receive over 5 million dollars for the fire district, and a carryover of over 6 million in the same fire district fund. That is over Eleven Million Dollars for the Fire Deaprtment. That is enough for the fire department to maintain services, while keeping our community BOTH SAFE AND AFFORDABLE.

Our families are facing huge tax increases imposed upon us by the state and federal governments; and we do not have a voice; We must take a stand and make our voice heard and tell our local government on May 7th that our families cannot afford to pay increased taxes to make government "stronger" than "we the people."

Quote from DDN - "Local tax rates vary dramatically by community, so much so that a family owning a $100,000 home and making $60,000 per year in Oakwood or Trotwood will pay $2,000 more each year in local taxes than if they lived and worked in Beavercreek or Clearcreek Twp."

In the table, you will see the effective tax rate for Clearcreek Township is 6TH FROM THE BOTTOM of a list of 40+ comparables. That's impressive!

Our community is very affordable at present, and we need to pass this levy to ensure that it remains as safe as it has been since 2001.

Plus, our fire department plays a significant role in our insurance rates. If stations close or protection is reduced, we'll pay more to the insurance companies. This levy has a lot to do with keeping ALL of our monthly expenses affordable.

Tell It Like It Is wrote:

Our families are facing huge tax increases imposed upon us by the state and federal governments; and we do not have a voice

I believe firmly that we all have a voice in local, state, and federal issues. The problems in our country are primarily at the federal level. We DO have a voice, and we need to take care of the issues there - billions in handouts in foreign aide, thousand dollar toilet seats, etc. But that's no reason to compromise our safety locally, where we really see the return on our tax dollar investment.

<quoted text>Take a look at this article, "Tell It Like It Is":http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/loca...Quote from DDN - "Local tax rates vary dramatically by community, so much so that a family owning a $100,000 home and making $60,000 per year in Oakwood or Trotwood will pay $2,000 more each year in local taxes than if they lived and worked in Beavercreek or Clearcreek Twp."In the table, you will see the effective tax rate for Clearcreek Township is 6TH FROM THE BOTTOM of a list of 40+ comparables. That's impressive!Our community is very affordable at present, and we need to pass this levy to ensure that it remains as safe as it has been since 2001.Plus, our fire department plays a significant role in our insurance rates. If stations close or protection is reduced, we'll pay more to the insurance companies. This levy has a lot to do with keeping ALL of our monthly expenses affordable.<quoted text>I believe firmly that we all have a voice in local, state, and federal issues. The problems in our country are primarily at the federal level. We DO have a voice, and we need to take care of the issues there - billions in handouts in foreign aide, thousand dollar toilet seats, etc. But that's no reason to compromise our safety locally, where we really see the return on our tax dollar investment.Vote smart - Keep our community safe and affordable - SAY YES TO ISSUE 3!!

Oh really? My home insurance has gone up EVERY year, so that line about keping costs down is bogus !

I called my insurance man last week. If the station by the career center closes, my closest station will go from 2 miles away to 9 miles away. That raises my property insurance $231 a year. The levy costs $137 a year.

<quoted text>Seems pretty clear and factual to me, read it for yourself:www.journal-news.com/news/news/fire-services-...I called my insurance man last week. If the station by the career center closes, my closest station will go from 2 miles away to 9 miles away. That raises my property insurance $231 a year. The levy costs $137 a year.No brainer. I will vote YES on 3 to save money!

<quoted text>Excellent points. Reminds me of the old adage "you made your bed, now you get to sleep in it". Seems too many people here blur the line between politics and the fire dept. We should always support ftrong safety forces, and for that matter vote in the people that will ensure those essential needs are always met.

....blur the line between politics and the fire department?

Anyone can clearly see that Politics is all about the firefighters union joining all other national big labor unions positioning themselves Politically for more and more power (micro-managing private citizens' lives) and more and more control over the wealth of private citizens by demanding higher and higher tax increases on individual homeowners; forcing more and more government services, causing heavy tax burdens on families. The obamacare tax increase is the biggest ever imposed upon citizens by the government "taking care of the people"... and now we are hearing that this big tax burden going into effect on businesses is so great, that many businesses are announcing laying off their employees and cutting their employees hours to "part-time"... causing even more financial burden of our working families. And there is no light at the end of the tunnel of obamacare as many will be thrown into financial darkness when the 2014 tax increases take full effect. law cnial Local voters in Springboro and Township did not have opportunity to go to the polls and "agree" or "disagree" on the obamacare tax; but we will be negatively and financially affected by this huge tax increase; We do have opportunity to stop this local tax increase on our family homes by just saying No on May 7th to our local government's "request for more money, please."

<quoted text>Seems pretty clear and factual to me, read it for yourself:www.journal-news.com/news/news/fire-services-...I called my insurance man last week. If the station by the career center closes, my closest station will go from 2 miles away to 9 miles away. That raises my property insurance $231 a year. The levy costs $137 a year.No brainer. I will vote YES on 3 to save money!

$137?..you sure it's not 137 a half....137 a year would mean you live in a home under 100k..I live in a modest home and it's going to cost me 300k a year. nothing like spinning things...you work for the obama administration ?

<quoted text>Seems pretty clear and factual to me, read it for yourself:www.journal-news.com/news/news/fire-services-...I called my insurance man last week. If the station by the career center closes, my closest station will go from 2 miles away to 9 miles away. That raises my property insurance $231 a year. The levy costs $137 a year.No brainer. I will vote YES on 3 to save money!

No brainer? Don't be a silly NIT-WIT!

It is clear to see that YOU are a greedy neighbor thinking only of your self PROFITING by only $94.00 for yourself on the backs of your neighbors who would be forced by the government to pay hundreds of dollars increased taxes... but hey, no brainer you say...What do YOU care if your neighbors cannot afford increased taxes on their homes just so YOU can PROFIT $94.00 ....putting a heavy tax burden on your neighbors who cannot afford more increased for a stronger local government.

Get Smart, Show some respect for others who are less fortunate, and Vote NO tax Increase on your neighbors' homes.... Pick up your costs for whatever Home insurance you choose to purchase for your individual needs; don't expect to bully your neighbors into voting increased taxes that are not affordable for their family, and would therefore be a financial hardship...simply because YOU want to save $94.00 for your own personal benfit at the cost of your neighbors (many of whom do not earn the same level of income as some of you more financially fortunate levy lovers).

The Way I See It -- After reviewing the Public Records of the Clearcreek Township Permanent Appropriations -- truth be told ......

With a projected budget of 6.4 million dollars for 2013, and 4.6 million being paid out to wages, salaries and benefits; and With less than 2 million spent on vehicles, repairs and maintenance, utilities and liability insurance...the way I see it, with just a little bit of "township belt-tightening" ...we have all the money we need in the township to carry on business as usual, maintaining excellent services of our hard working public safety workers, keeping our families safe and taxes on our family homes affordable for all!

Now for all you lovers of "facts for increased taxes" please take time to check with the Warren County Auditors Office; and isn't it the truth that Township government will receive over 5 million dollars for the fire district?.... and a carryover of over 6 million in the same fire district fund??

Now it doesn't take the expertise of a rocket scientist to add that up to $11 million dollars for the Fire Department. And as a township voter and taxpaying homeowner, I do not need nor want ANOTHER collective tax burden being placed by our local government upon my salary, my home, and my family... by the vote of only TWO township trustees promoting unnecessary (and unwanted) increased taxes.

Just Think Smart! Vote Smart! Say No to Increased Taxes on our homes!And Tell the Township government leaders to do their homework and cut expenses FIRST, before asking for New Money!

<quoted text>$137?..you sure it's not 137 a half....137 a year would mean you live in a home under 100k..I live in a modest home and it's going to cost me 300k a year. nothing like spinning things...you work for the obama administration ?

If it costs you 300k, your home is worth about 2 trillion dollars - no wonder you'd be against the levy! Take back the suggestion to get a job, guess that's not necessary. Haha!!

<quoted text>The name got your attention, huh? Good. The taxpayers will continue to receive services from the fire department if the levy fails. However, the services available will be even more reduced than they are now! If you had done any research at all, you would know that the FD has lost many positions through attrition that have not been replaced. If the levy does not pass this will continue until they are running skeleton crews everyday out of one or two stations instead of adequate staffing out of three.If you are willing to put the lives of your family and friends at risk, have at it. All I ask is that all voters in Springboro and Clearcreek Township consider the consequences of not passing this fire levy. After all, they can't do anything without your support. Please don't make your decision based on your opinion of the politicians involved. Take care of that in November if you must.

Where are the facts in public records showing, as you claim"that the FD has lost many positions through attrition that have not been replaced?"

There is record of the fire captain New Hire; and also Six part-time firefighters; with only three remaining. Are these part time firefighters ones you are referencing?

Our family was among the many who were at the township installation service of the six new part-timer, many of us discussing later over cups of Starbucks coffee: WHY so many part-timers? Some of "those in the know" answered "so that they could lay off three that weren't needed so the government could make the case of "reason being budget crisis" to promote in May 7 levy demands.

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